On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.

Water dropper in the shape of a three-legged toad

China

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 214

This water dropper was cast in the shape of a mythical three-legged toad said to dwell on the moon, an auspicious symbol of prosperity and a talisman for success on civil service examinations. This utensil for the scholar’s desk was used to control the amount of water added to an ink stone as an ink cake was ground on its surface to create liquid ink. A similar work salvaged from the Sinan shipwreck (dating to 1323) helps to date this piece.

Water dropper in the shape of a three-legged toad, Copper alloy, China

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Water dropper in the shape of a three-legged toad, Copper alloy, China
Water dropper in the shape of a three-legged toad, Copper alloy, China
Water dropper in the shape of a three-legged toad, Copper alloy, China

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